The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration applauds the bipartisan leadership demonstrated by the United States Congress for providing strong FY 2016 funding for NASA needed to keep the nation’s deep space exploration and science programs on track.
“These investments represent a strong commitment to America’s human, robotic and science exploration programs,” said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Director of the Coalition. “The robust funding levels achieved in the omnibus will support the continuing development of America’s new space exploration systems – leading to the launch of Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Space Launch System and the Orion crew vehicle will take humans deeper into space than ever before.”
“The funding will also allow NASA to complete and deploy space science and discovery systems such as the James Webb Space Telescope, also launching in 2018, that work together with human space exploration to expand our knowledge of the universe. This support will help ensure the United States remains the world’s leader in space exploration.
The Coalition also recognizes the continued commitment to the International Space Station (ISS), including cargo and crew transportation systems, and funding for a new deep space habitat, that allows NASA to prepare for long duration crewed missions around the Moon and on the Journey to Mars. The ISS remains the centerpiece of America’s partnership with international allies in space as well as a testbed for critical exploration systems, providing a stepping stone for expanding a human presence deeper into the solar system.
The agreement announced today will continue progress on all of these systems, bringing NASA’s deep space exploration and science goals closer to realization and returning benefits in science, technical advancement, economic development and international leadership to the citizens of the United States.